12
Fred.
Oh, is there not one maiden here
Whose homely face and bad complexion
Have caused all hope to disappear
Of ever winning man's affectation?
To such an one, if such there be,
I swear, by heaven's arch above you,
If you will cast your eyes your me,
However plain you be, I'll love you.
All.
Alas! there's not one maiden here
Whose homely face and bad complexion
Have caused all hope to disappear
Of ever winning man's affection.
Fred. (In despair.) Not one?
All. No, no, not one.
Fred. Not one?
All. No, no!
(Mabel enters through arch R. C.)
Mabel. Yes, one!
All. 'Tis Mabel!
Mabel. Yes, 'tis Mabel!
Recit.—Mabel.
O sisters, deaf to pity's name?
For shame!
It's true that he has gone astray,
But, pray.
Is that a reason good and true
Why you
Should all be deaf to pity's name?
For shame!
All. (Aside.) The question is, had he not been
A thing of beauty.
Would she be swayed by quite as keen
A sense of duty?
Solo. — Mabel.
Poor wandering one,
Though thou hast surely strayed,
Take heart of grace;
Thy steps retrace;
Be not afraid.